China's Wang Qiang pulls off stunning opening-round upset at Australian Open

(Xinhua) Updated: 2016-01-18 15:21

Wang Qiang of China returns the ball during the first-round match of women's singles of Australian Open Tennis Championships against Sloane Stephens of the United States at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, Jan 18, 2016. Wang won 2-0. [Photo/Xinhua]

Wang will fancy her chances against her second round opponent Anna-Lena Friedsam of Germany, who had not progressed past the first round of the AO until Monday' s 7-6 (7-3), 2-6, 6-1 win over Lourdes Domínguez Lino.

Elsewhere, China's other hopefuls had a day to forget.

Debuting in her first Grand Slam, Wang Yafan was able to sneak a set off Greece's Maria Sakkari, but ultimately lost 6-4, 1-6, 6-3.

"This is my first time to join the tournament officially. I am really happy to participate in this world class game and play against top players," Wang Yafan told reporters on Monday with the aid of a translator.

"I was really looking forward to the match before the game and was a little bit nervous of course.

"I think I'm still not that relaxed and I didn' t play my best, but was OK in general.

"I think the extra qualifying games really wore me out, and I couldn't give the best account of myself."

Earlier, Wu Di - China's only player in the men's draw - became the first player eliminated.

Austin Krajicek of the United States comprehensively outplayed his 24-year-old opponent, winning in straight sets 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 on Court 5 earlier on Monday.

Krajicek, who is ranked 138 spots ahead of his Shanghai counterpart, smashed 13 aces and 29 winners past Wu, and also hit 12 less unforced errors.